3D woven rib for Airbus wing

Albany Engineered Composites (AEC) delivered the first components it’s producing for the Airbus Wing of Tomorrow wing box assembly demonstrator program. AEC’s collaboration with Airbus represents an important part of its strategic efforts aimed at developing high-volume industrialized and sustainable manufacturing technologies for next-generation Airbus aircraft.

During the past 3 years, AEC has been collaborating with Airbus on government supported R&D programs such as the Wing of Tomorrow and Clean Aviation. AEC applied its 3D woven technology to this wing application, which along with its proven industrialized capabilities in high-rate resin transfer molding (RTM) processing, will produce high-tolerance integrated parts such as wing ribs targeting cost, weight, and performance benefits in next-generation aircraft.

Airbus

Albany Engineered Composites (AEC)

JPB Système acquires stake in Addimetal

JPB Système acquired a stake in France-based 3D printer manufacturer start-up, Addimetal, in a move offering the companies complete and secure sharing of their respective industrial-grade metal binder jetting (MBJ) 3D printing (3DP) technology knowledge for the short-run production of small, complex, lightweight, and repeatable parts.

This means strategic collaboration in the development of the latter’s innovative open hardware platform, technology, and associated process to ensure existing and future application needs are met. In addition to financial support, Addimetal will benefit from JPB’s detailed and growing insight into the specific and appropriate application areas in which MBJ is most suited, as well as their respective requirements.

The results of trials with MBJ to potentially produce flight-ready parts are meeting expectations by delivering robust lighter-weight alternatives quicker and easier than traditional manufacturing methods such as machining and casting. In some trials, this has already seen JPB cut overall lead times by 80% on certain parts, and secure weight-savings of 30% – a fundamental objective for aerospace customers.

JPB Système expects to have its first MBJ-produced parts in production by 2026.

Addimetal

JPB Système

Sustainably produced tungsten powder

6K Additive’s sustainably produced tungsten powder has been qualified for processing by Wayland Additive’s NeuBeam print process to address new applications with parts made in the aerospace sector. This collaboration and qualification of 6K Additive’s tungsten powder will set the standard for high-strength, heat resistant parts printed using the NeuBeam technology.

Tungsten is a refractory metal with the highest melting point of any metal at 3,422°C/6,191°F making processing exceptionally challenging. Tungsten is known for its exceptional hardness, high melting point, and excellent thermal conductivity. It’s been widely used in the aerospace and defense industries where its unique properties are highly sought after.

6K Additive

Wayland Additive